7 Best Companies for Cheap Window Replacement (2023)

Window Warranties

Since an investment into replacement windows can be a hefty sum, you want to ensure that your products are protected in the future. It’s important to select windows with ironclad warranties. Here are a few examples of standard warranties offered for windows:

• Limited lifetime warranty:

  The most common

  warranty

  offered by a manufacturer covers the windows’ operation and external defects.

• Lifetime warranty:

  These

  warranties

  are a step above the limited

  warranty

  and include any replacement parts. 

• Double lifetime warranty:

  The same coverage as a

  lifetime warranty

  , but

  homeowners

  would be covered for as long as they own the home. 

• Transferable warranty:

  If you decide to sell your home, your

  warranty

  will transfer to the new owner. In many cases, the new owners would be covered for the remainder of your previous

  warranty

  or could have their own designated time frame for coverage. 

The manufacturer determines the “lifetime” of these warranties based on how long it considers your windows to be in top-quality condition. For low-quality windows, that could be three to five years. For high-quality windows, your coverage could last 15 to 20 years. 

Because warranty options vary between each company, you must take the time to review the terms and conditions of your coverage thoroughly. For example, a company may offer a limited lifetime warranty, but you read the details and realize it only covers the window frames, excluding all other parts and issues. 

Look for the following coverage details when reviewing window warranty details:

• A definition and explanation of “lifetime” 

• Frame coverage 

• Glass coverage

• Hardware coverage

• Labor and installation

Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient features such as Low-E coatings, argon gas, and double- or triple-pane glass help you save money over time. We recommend looking for companies that offer Energy Star-certified products. “[Energy Star] carries the reputation of being the best on the market, and will put a few dollars back in your pocket with your heating and cooling bills,” says Collin Sullivan, director of production for Renewal by Andersen’s Carolinas division.

What to Look for in Homeowner Reviews

It is important to include homeowner reviews in your research for replacement windows. They will give you a sense of the type of company you will be working with and a glimpse into a typical homeowner experience. Take the time to review both good and bad reviews to understand the company better. 

We recommend looking for these points:

• References to specific products and projects:

  Customers will often praise or disparage particular products purchased from the company. Keep an eye out for any window lines you may be interested in, and check those reviews. You can also gain insight into another

  homeowner

  ’s experiences with the same type of project that you may be planning. There could be mentions of costs, the planning process, and any roadblocks they may have encountered. 

• Installation time frames:

  A critical factor in any

  window installation

  is the projected time frame to complete the project. Based on the project size and the windows needed, your quote will include a projection of your project from start to finish. While reading these reviews, note any broken promises or failed follow-ups when these problems occur. A company that consistently fails to follow through on its projects or avoids accountability for its mistakes should not be up for consideration. 

• Warranty issues:

  Consider any customer complaints involving

  warranty

  replacement requests. Although you will be given full details about your windows’

  warranty

  , sometimes details in the fine print may be overlooked.

  Homeowners

  ’ reviews will offer some insight into common

  warranty

  problems, failed replacements, or failures on the company’s part to disclose necessary information.

• Customer service and technicians: These are the primary contact points when you have a problem with your installation or need additional assistance. Customers may also speak about good or bad experiences with an installer’s technicians or customer service. These factors could also be instrumental in helping you pick the best company for your project. Poor customer service and inefficient technicians indicate more significant issues that should not be ignored.